Blog Archives
Quickie Book Review – Awakened by Brenda K. Davies
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Reminiscent of Beautiful Disaster (but with Vampires) this book captivated me almost from the get-go. I even recommended it to a friend the very next day, as we have similar tastes in paranormal books. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5, is that at times I felt the book could have stood some pruning of the “-ly” variety — to remove some of the extraneous “softly” and “slowly” type words.
Overall though, the flourishes didn’t detract from the top-notch plot, complex characters or swoon-worthy romance so definitely give this series a try!
Kill Me’s Appearance on VampChix & Bite Club
Doh! I completely spaced on telling everyone that my book Kill Me made an appearance over on the wildly popular blog VampChix & Bite Club.
Honestly, this summer is kicking my tail.
Between my other job as a Photographer (wedding and Senior portrai season!), kids, baseball, helping my sis plan her wedding, writing, prepping for back to school… well, you get the picture. I’m uber-busy.
Which is why I’m so thankful for other blogs that read, review or even post about my books. Nothing like web copy that I don’t have to do a thing for!
Bait by Annie Nicholas – Book Review
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book, Bait, starts off with an interesting premise: What does one need to lure out targeted vampires? Why, lovely young Bait of course.
In some ways, it does follow the typical vampire romance sub-genre lines. There’s a girl, and a brooding Vampire (with a conscious) and the two go through a bunch of stuff to get their happily-ever-after. But that’s where the genre specific similarities end.
The premise and all it’s supporting cast are fresh and inventive. The writing is done well and the characters have flaws, as it needs to be. And to make things even more interesting, the line between right and wrong is grayed out by hidden agendas and furthered by the hunt for the previously mentioned Vampire by an elite team of For-Hire Hunters. But who hired them? And why?
For a fresh take on the vampire romance genre, check out Bait. It even appears that more books are on the way, making it a series. I’m interested to see where the story goes on from here!
Vampire Moon by J.R. Rain – Book Review
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Things heat up for this second novel in the Vampire For Hire Series…
While I enjoyed the first book, I liked this one even more. Samantha Moon is still reeling from her ex- husband’s douche-baggery, she’s being kept away from her children, things with her possible love interest are strained, and her professional life gets even more complicated.
It’s almost more that one woman should have to deal with at one time, even if said woman is blessed (cursed) with Vampire abilities. So it’s no surprise that Samantha gets a little careless with her actions. Her heart is in the right place and that’s what matters, right?
I don’t want to give much more away, but if you enjoyed book one, Vampire Moon is even better– so read it already!
Moon Dance by J.R. Rain (Vampire For Hire #1) – Quickie Book Review
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Interesting take on the VAMPIRE mythology (including a nod to some old school myths). Well written and I will be reading more from this author.
I instantly felt a bond with Samantha, a tough-on-the-outside wife and mother with her own insecurities, despite being a kick-arse vampire private investigator. Her husband is growing more distant by the hour, she’s jugular-deep in her latest case, and even though it’s been a few years since an attack left her this-side of supernatural, she’s still struggling with the morality and reality of her situation.
Once I realized that this was a “vampire Mom” series, I couldn’t wait to read it. (Other than the new Blood Chord Series, I don’t know of any other similar ones) Let’s face it, we aren’t all 19 and wet behind the ears, so it’s nice to read about a woman like me doing things I only wish I could do 
(Oh, and I hope karma comes back to bite the hubs in the arse!)
Get to Know Claire, from KILL ME (character interview- Blog Tour Day 11)
I thought I’d have a little fun today by interviewing the main character from the new release, Kill Me. So put your paws together and lets extend a warm welcome to our guest Claire!
Come on in Claire, grab a seat and settle in. Would you like something to drink? A glass of Merlot perhaps?
Hi! Thanks for having me… mind if I sit over here? No offense, but it’s been a few days since I last fed, and you’re smelling extremely scrumptious today.
Uh, sure. Make yourself comfortable on the stool waaaaay over there in the corner. So nothing to drink? Wait… never mind.
It’s okay. I’m getting used to my diet and I have it under control now, mostly. It’s been quite an adjustment though. By the way, I love what you’ve done with the place. It’s just so… you!
Aww, thanks! I’ve put a lot of thought into the decor. I call it Controlled Chaos Chic. Though to be fair, my husband gets the credit for the Deer heads. And any crumbs/trash/toys would be courtesy of the kids. But I’m sure you understand about all of that.
Do I ever. My daughter’s nine now and it’s a good thing I don’t need to sleep, because my house is in a constant state of disaster. From weird science experiments to makeup and shoes (oh, lord the shoes!) her mess is spread from one end of the house to the other.
You just moved too. I bet that’s kept you busy.
Yes, we did. Within a few days of getting back from my trip to Florida, I found the perfect house for me and Quinn. It’s out by itself, so I don’t have to worry about any nosy neighbors. We’ve got a a sunset view of the creek that will make your eyes water.
That’s great! I’m glad you were able to find something that would work for you guys. And so fast!
Oh, I got lucky. The owners needed cash and I came into some money recently, so I offered a bonus if they could move out within a week. It was a win-win for both of us.
That was lucky. What did you do, win the lottery or something?
Or something… I probably shouldn’t tell you this since they frown on humans knowing our business, but during my trip, I received a nice chunk of change. You could call it an inheritance, but I’ve come to think of it as my Vampire Disability Fund. Because, you know, being a vampire is a huge disadvantage, at least in the begginning. We can’t go out in the sun (most can’t anyway) which makes things like grocery shopping, school plays, and errands super-hard to accomplish. Keeping a job is almost impossible until you get the hang of everything. I won’t even mention how difficult it is to be around friends and family when all you want to do is sink your teeth into them.
Wow, I’d never thought about it like that. I thought being a Vampire was all glamour and romance and crazy supernatural abilities. Seems like the reality of living as a Vampire is something that popular culture glosses over.
Exactly. As my maker, Bette once told me, “Do not believe everything you read or see on television about us. Books and movies often make stuff up for the purpose of entertainment.”
Twilight-Smilight. I’d like to see that little waif of an actress try to work a blood-drive at her child’s school on a sunny Saturday in April. Or figure out how to pretend to eat in front of a child that doesn’t miss a thing.
We live in the land of sun and sand. I’m outside 4-5 times a day, so I’ve had to get creative with things. I have my daughter to think about and I wanted to live as normal as possible. Certainly makes life harder, but I wouldn’t change a thing about our lives now.
It sounds like you’re happy! I’m glad it’s all working out for you. I image that blood drive was something to see too!
Yes, that was a very interesting day. I came home hungrier than I’ve ever been in my life, only to find out that power had gone out while I was gone and my bags of “dinner” were ruined. Good thing I knew where some takeout was!
Too funny! Now, you’ve mentioned your trip several times, and I’m wondering if that’s where your story begins?
Yes, it was. I went to Florida a harried working-mother and came back as something completely different. I blame the violin.
Care to elaborate? Come now, don’t be shy. It’s just us girls here.
Well, it called to me from down the aisle and brought me to Bette and her collection of antique instruments. Then she put the stupid thing in my hands and told me to play it!
Before that, I was normal— I cooked, cleaned and brought home every bit of the bacon. I thought I had life figured out, but I had everything so completely wrong that it’s almost comical. Now the husband is a non-issue, my freakish talents are not of the domestic variety, and being a good mother just became a whole lot tougher.
Holy-Llamas. That was rather on the cryptic side, don’tcha think? Is that all you’re going to give us?
Yep. If you want to know more, you’ll just have to read the book. Anyway, I’ve got to run. I’m due to pick up Quinn from school in a few minutes so she can get to her softball game on time. Yeah, I know. Softball game, vampire Mom– an odd combination, right?
It sure is! Well, it was great having you on the site Claire. Maybe you can come back some time to keep us posted on how abnormally-normal your life is? In the meantime, we can get the scoop from the novel you star in, KILL ME, correct?
Yep! It has a little bit of everything: mystery, magic, suspense, some smoking-hot romance, a sprinkling of rockin’ music and the occasional stripper pole. Oh, and a haunted violin. I can’t forget that, it started everything off.
No need to sell me on it. That sounds like my kind of book Thanks again for stopping by. Give Quinn my best! Ciao’
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If you’d like to read more about Claire and her life-changing business trip, check out the newly released novel Kill Me, Book One of the Blood Chord series, by Alex Owens. And do an Indie Author a solid and tweet, FB or share this interview or the book link with your friends and enemies. They’ll appreciate the gesture.
KILL ME (Book One of the Blood Chord series)
Three days ago, she was a wife, a mother, and very much alive… then the music called for her.
Kill Me, the debut novel from author Alex Owens, is a quirky paranormal fantasy complete with music, magic, fangs and freaks. It is also the first in a planned series, with the second book due out by the Fall of 2012. Be forewarned, this is not your daughter’s paranormal.
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Also, being the slacker that I am, I neglected to post to let everyone know that Kill Me was featured over on the fabulous Heidi Hall’s website yesterday, so please so hop on over there and take a gander
If you’d like to participate in the Release Blog Tour for Kill Me, more information can be seen here on the Blood Chord series web site.
Related articles
- Book Blurb Butchering (bloodchordseries.wordpress.com)
- Working on the Book Blurb for Kill Me (quirkygurl.com)
Guest Post on Good Choice Reading (Day 9 -Kill Me Blog Tour)
Good morning and hold on to your shorts, because today I’m over on Good Choice Reading with a fabulously fun guest post from the main character Claire (from my new novel Kill Me) and she’s there to let everyone know Why Being a Vampire Mom Rocks.
Check it out and leave a comment, tweet or something. Pretty please, with Eric Northman on top?
Out of Time by Monique Martin – Mini Book Review
Just finished this book, and I’m pleased to say that I read it all in one sitting. It was just that compelling. Yes, it’s billed as a paranormal romance, but don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s all about a girl swooning over a sparkly, hunky Vamp. Because, well, that’s just been done to death.
A quick run-through (because I’m tired after reading for three hours straight without so much as a bathroom break). There’s ancient artifacts, dark family secrets, leaps through the time-space continuum, a Big Bad guy, a Speakeasy and, well- just read the book. I’m too literally sated right now to do anything but bask in the reading-afterglow.
